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Updating conditions · Calibrated break

Cardiff Reef

Cardiff · San Diego, United States · Reef break

Local time — · Sunrise 06:20 · Sunset 16:49

Verified data gate

Reading the ocean.

SWELLRADAR is requesting a verified marine run for Cardiff Reef.

Marine sourceChecking
Synthetic valuesBlocked
RefreshAutomatic
Spot calibratedSpot-calibrated profile

Spot intelligence.

Cardiff’s main right is forgiving when small, while very low water and a stronger winter pulse can make the south peak faster and more technical.

Profile source · Surfline Cardiff Reef guide
NS

Profile geometry

Swell axis W · 275°

Offshore wind from E · All levels profile

Wave

Long, softer right with a faster south peak

Flat reef with sand and seagrass

Swell window

W–NW / SW

0.5–2.3 m offshore ranking band

Clean wind

E–NE offshore or calm

Applied to wind scoring

Tide window

Low to mid · size and peak dependent

Qualitative timing guidance

Field guide

Read the break.

Character

01

Cardiff Reef is defined by long, softer right with a faster south peak over flat reef with sand and seagrass. The shape can change with swell angle, period and the active section, so the live score should always be paired with a visual check from shore.

Best setup

02

W–NW / SW swell, e–ne offshore or calm and low to mid · size and peak dependent form the profile baseline. SWELLRADAR treats 0.5–2.3 m as a working range, not a guarantee of breaking-wave size.

Lineup read

03

Match the active peak to your ability and leave space for other surfers in the water. Pay particular attention to exposed reef at low water, mixed longboard and shortboard traffic, crowded take-off. Local signs and advice always take priority.

Know before you paddle

Live conditions and local advice always override this profile.

Exposed reef at low waterMixed longboard and shortboard trafficCrowded take-offRunoff after rain
Optional community layerRecent surfer reportsVoluntary and potentially incomplete. Not used for the forecast or Surf Score.

The break

Reef break

All levels. Works best with W–NW / SW swell.

Timing

E–NE offshore or calm

Low to mid · size and peak dependent. Re-check local observations and the lineup before you paddle out.

Data note

Model data unavailable

SWELLRADAR withholds numerical conditions, scores and surf windows until a quality-checked marine forecast is available.